What is the role of graphics and visual data in reading comprehension items?

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Multiple Choice

What is the role of graphics and visual data in reading comprehension items?

Graphics and visual data are used to test how well you integrate information from both the text and the visuals. A chart, graph, map, or diagram isn’t there as decoration; it provides evidence or data you must interpret in relation to the passage. You’ll often need to extract specific details from the visual, understand what the data shows, and explain how that supports a claim or conclusion in the text. This means you can’t ignore the visuals or treat them as optional sources—they influence the correct answer. The visuals aren’t meant to confuse; they’re prompts to apply reading comprehension by combining textual information with shown data.

Graphics and visual data are used to test how well you integrate information from both the text and the visuals. A chart, graph, map, or diagram isn’t there as decoration; it provides evidence or data you must interpret in relation to the passage. You’ll often need to extract specific details from the visual, understand what the data shows, and explain how that supports a claim or conclusion in the text. This means you can’t ignore the visuals or treat them as optional sources—they influence the correct answer. The visuals aren’t meant to confuse; they’re prompts to apply reading comprehension by combining textual information with shown data.

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